Imports to Japan Decline
For First Time in 37 Months

TOKYO -- Imports to Japan in March fell for the first time in 37 months, but Japan's trade surplus continued its extended decline because of the steady drop in demand for Japanese products overseas.

Exports from Japan in March totaled $39.1 billion, down 8.3% from a year earlier, while imports dropped in value by 1.3% to $28.4 billion, for a 23% reduction in the overall trade surplus of $10.7 billion.